Aliceville prison worker guilty of selling contraband

A former worker at the federal women's prison in Aliceville made $5,695 selling cigarettes and other prohibited items to inmates.

Eric C. Pendleton pleaded guilty to federal charges of bribery and making false statements, according to court documents filed Wednesday.

He was hired at the minimum-security prison in January 2014 and worked as a materials handler supervisor.

Between September 2014 and August 2015, Pendleton sold items to inmates, including cigarettes, according to the plea document. The women's friends and family members either loaded money onto his credit card or sent money orders to a home he owns in Fosters.

Pendleton pleaded guilty to both charges, agreed to pay restitution and forfeit the money he made to the government.

He could receive up to 15 years in prison for the bribery charge and up to five years for making false statements during the investigation, conducted by the FBI and Department of Justice Office of Inspector General.

He could be fined up to $250,000 for each conviction. A sentencing date has not been set.